April 2024

Effective communication is paramount in medical settings and significantly impacts patient outcomes, satisfaction, and risk reduction. Northern Health’s diverse patient demographic, comprising of individuals from over 130 countries, speaking in more than 120 languages, underscores the necessity for robust language support. The Transcultural and Language Services Department (TALS) provides over 60,000 interpreting occasions of service per annum. According to the statistics, approximately 20 per cent of Northern Health’s patients require language services. These services are available face-to-face, or via telephone or video. During occasions when it is challenging to access interpreting service, cue cards, a communication tool developed to assist…

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Northern Health nurses and midwives have less than one week to apply the inaugural Nursing and Midwifery BankVic Scholarship, worth $5,000. In the lead up to International Day of the Midwife (5 May) and International Nurse’s Day (12 May), BankVic has generously offered one scholarship to be awarded to a Northern Health nurse or midwife in recognition of their valuable service and dedication to the role. BankVic, in association with Northern Health Foundation, is offering a $5,000 scholarship towards a national based conference or a professional development activity. To enter, nurses and midwives need to submit a response to the…

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An Australian-first virtual program that aids patient recovery after a heart event, procedure or heart condition has launched at Northern Health. The Virtual Cardiac Rehabilitation (VCR) Program is designed to improve the health in patients with heart disease, and to help them achieve the highest quality of life possible. Patients on the program have goals that include developing healthy habits into the future that help lower the chances of going back to hospital. Having a virtual cardiac rehab program enables patients to access the support they need with more flexible options to the traditional group program. “Cardiac rehabilitation is proven…

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#WeAreNorthern Meet Suba Vijayakumar, Senior Registered Nurse, Noogal Clinic – Northern Health. Q. Firstly, What is your coffee order? Flat white with one sugar. Q. Why and how did you choose your specialty? I have always wanted to be a nurse. It is a noble profession, and I enjoy helping people. Mental Health was new to me, but I am glad I chose to stay and grow as a professional. 10 years later, I don’t think I could have been any other type of nurse. It was meant to be! Q. Can you tell us a bit about your career?…

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Each week in the lead up to Accreditation, Northern Health is sharing key information to help staff prepare for the short notice assessment. Today, we speak to Associate Professor, Jason Cirone, Chief Allied Health Officer, who has been an Accreditation Assessor for over 10 years, for some tips on what to expect. “It is a privilege going into a health service and being a part of an assessment team,” said A/Prof Cirone. “As Assessors, we understand that we are guests in a health service and that it can be quite a disruptive week. When visiting a health services, I am…

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Oliver Cronin’s path to becoming a pre-eminent gastroenterologist and interventional endoscopist has been defined by a deep commitment to advancing patient care through innovative techniques. His path, from early training years to an illustrious Fulbright Future Scholarship has been a testament to his passion and hard work. Oliver discovered his passion for complex procedural medicine early in his training. Reflecting on his career trajectory, he shares, “I’ve always been drawn to complex cases and making a real improvement to patient’s lives. Gastroenterology, especially endoscopy, appealed to me because of the clinical challenges and immediate, visible results.” After completing gastroenterology training…

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#WeAreNorthern Get to know Nicola Mott, Imaging Manager, Northern Imaging Victoria. What is your coffee order? Soy latte, extra hot. Medium or small depending on the day. Tell us about your Northern Health journey? (When you started, your roles here etc.) I am relatively new to Northern Health, however I have worked in radiology at Northern Health since 2015. My official Northern Health journey began in October 2023 as Imaging Manager. My previous role was as general supervisor and then imaging manager. I was part of the team involved in bringing radiology in-house. What do you like to do after…

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This morning, Northern Health held our annual ANZAC Day Service at Bundoora Centre. Our ANZAC Day Service has been closely associated with our patients for over a decade, particularly those at Bundoora Centre. The service provided an opportunity for us to gather to remember, reflect and pay tribute to those who made great sacrifices to make our country a safer place. The service opened with a mounting of the Catafalque Party from the 138th Signal Squadron, Simpsons Barracks, before our masters of ceremonies, Lisa Cox, Chief Nursing and Midwifery Officer, and Associate Professor Jason Cirone, Chief Allied Health Officer, welcomed…

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